MAP Charity has purchased Hope Foundry thanks to an inspiring community-led campaign.
The future of our education programme is secure and our focus now turns to unlocking the potential of our stunning building. Together, we can transform Hope Foundry into a place where everyone can access the creative arts.
Hope Foundry is a Grade II-listed building in Mabgate, Leeds, with a rich heritage dating back to 1812.
For the past ten years, it has been home to MAP Charity’s alternative education programme. We work with young people who can’t access the mainstream education system.
We’re planning a major refurbishment of Hope Foundry – from new creative studios, which Leeds City Council has already committed to funding, to a community café and gallery spaces. Now we need your help to make it a reality.
“I don’t know anyone else who gets the opportunities I do. There are so many skilled people here to learn from, and it’s all in one place.”
Yefe was an apprentice with MAP Charity.
He worked with on-site creative partners in screen-printing and photography, in addition mentoring current students in our classrooms.
Yefe now runs a music recording studio, and recently set up Leeds Young Producers: a platform to support emerging musical talent.
“Dance music and clubbing culture is a powerful force in creating change.
It’s so important spaces like this stay open so they can continue transforming the lives of the next generation of young creatives.”
Floating Points is a long-term ambassador of MAP Charity.
He regularly DJs at our Cosmic Slop fundraising events and has used his influence in the music industry to support the charity throughout its campaign to buy Hope Foundry.
“MAP has sculpted my future, as I was able to develop a passion for filmmaking and tie it in to my qualification.”
Taylor is a former student at MAP Charity who discovered and developed her talent for filmmaking during her time here.
She graduated with a BTEC qualification in Creative Media Production and, after enrolling onto several filmmaking courses – including the British Film Institute Academy – she is now a freelance filmmaker.
Taylor still regularly volunteers at MAP Charity to support the next generation of creative talent in the city.
Aaron, former MAP Charity student
We need your support more than ever to achieve our vision for Hope Foundry and build a space where everyone can access the creative arts.
Cosmic Slop, our regular fundraiser, takes place in Hope Foundry.
It has hosted some of the finest local selectors and internationally-acclaimed DJs alike. Artists including Four Tet, Floating Points, Gilles Peterson, Mafalda and Mr. Scruff have donated their time and talent to support MAP Charity’s work with young people.
“MAP Charity makes a massive difference to the lives of young people in our city”
Cllr. Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council
Refurbishing Hope Foundry will greatly expand MAP Charity’s ability to shape the future of Leeds’ young people.
A refurbished building will allow us to bring more local creative businesses together with our education programme – providing young people with a broader range of qualifications and sustainable development opportunities.
“I’m not exaggerating when I say MAP Charity changed my life. It gave me a focus and set me on the right path”